Charles Sematama

Designation identifiers

UKSL unique ID

DRC0078

Designation type

Individual

Date designated

17 July 2026

Last updated

24 July 2026

Regimes

• The Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

Designation sources

• UN

Sanctions imposed

• Asset freeze
• Travel Ban

Other information

• Listed pursuant to paragraphs 7(c), 7(d) 7(e) and 7(h) of resolution 2293 (2016), as reaffirmed by paragraph 2 of resolution 2688 (2023) and paragraph 3 of resolution 2738 (2024) and resolution 2783 (2025): CHARLES SEMATAMA has and continues to engage in acts that undermine the peace, stability and security of the DRC. Paragraph 7(c): CHARLES SEMATAMA is the military commander, of the Twirwaneho which has opposed the demobilisation of children. The Twirwaneho is also a member of the Congo River Alliance which is a politico-military platform formed in alliance with M23, a Congolese militia which received support from outside the DRC and which impedes the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes. Paragraph 7(d): The Twirwaneho recruits or uses children in armed conflict in the DRC in violation of international law. Paragraph 7(e): The Twirwaneho is responsible for human rights abuses and/or violations of international humanitarian law, including targeted attacks against civilians and recruitment of children in armed conflict. As the military commander for Twirwaneho, SEMATAMA is responsible for planning, directing or committing these acts.Paragraph 7(h): CHARLES SEMATAMA, by his involvement with the Twirwaneho and the Congo River Alliance, collaborates with M23 (a designated entity) and therefore acts on behalf of a designated entity and shares responsibility for crimes committed by M23 in the DRC (killings, recruitment of child soldiers, and sexual abuse), which constitute human rights abuses against civilians and/or violations of international humanitarian law.

Addresses

• Lines: Hauts Plateaux
• Lines: South Kivu